The Mingo Central Miners host the Tug Valley Panthers in the Battle of Bloody Mingo in a clash of cross county rivals on Thursday up on Miner Mountain.
The Miners, coached by David Jones, defeated the Panthers last season by a score of 38-0. However, the Miners lost a few key players off last year’s team while still leaving a fantastic core of athletes.
Mingo Central will need to replace star quarterback Chris Ross. Heading into the game, Jones will have either Jaxon Nenni-Mills or Caden Porter run the offense on Thursday.
The Miner ground game will be led by all-stater Dylan Vance. Vance could see a lot of action in the rushing and receiving game. Also look for Jace “Bam” Coleman and Davion Joplin to see some time in the backfield.
Mingo Central has several playmakers in the receiving game. Aidan Burke and Donavon Valdelamar lead a talented receiving corps.
The Panthers, coached by Hady Ford, will roll up onto the mountain top returning a lot of talent from last season.
Preston May returns at quarterback after recording 20 passing touchdowns in an injury-shortened freshman season.
Bryson Elia returns in the backfield after an all-state campaign during his sophomore season. Elia is equally as dangerous in the receiving game and will be a big part of the Panthers’ attack. Adam Slone will also receive some caries for Tug Valley. Cane Thompson and Austin Smith will also see some time in the backfield.
May has some weapons coming back on the outside. Cameron Slone, Ashton Davis, Brady Brewer, Derek Jewell and Gavin Fitzpatrick could all be involved in the receiving game on Thursday night.
This will be a game that all of Mingo County is ready for. Not only will the winner get bragging rights, it will help them get the season off to a fantastic start. You don’t want to miss this one!
